…immediately afterwards in March? Or is it OK to take the test later in May?
I ask because due to our S20’s busy travel soccer schedule, prep classes only work in February. I was going to have him take the test in March; but I’ve heard that May is the best time to take the test because they are already reviewing/studying for SOLs/AP Exams.
Thoughts?
I would take it in March and May.
@suzyQ7 - yes, I had thought about that as well…not too soon together? Or even better to take them back to back?
I feel like waiting until May for the first test is too late. What if he gets sick in May or something else comes up? The nice thing about back to back is that the chances of a really easy test with a less forgiving curve happening back to back - is low, so I like the idea of back to back. Plus, he can " test out the prep " in the March test. He can take it again in the summer if needed.
Has he tried the ACT?
@suzyQ7 – no – he is a twin – his twin sister will be doing same SAT schedule; however, I was planning on having her also take the ACT because I feel she would do better. Just trying to find time…it’s a struggle with sports/school activities and now their work schedules. I’ve been trying to set up a free practice ACT with local prep company since summer. I may try to have them do the ACT in July and possibly again in fall of Senior year. Thoughts?
Just get the ACT red book on Amazon and have them work through it a bit. Then do a strictly timed test (from the red book) at home. They will have the PSAT in school next month right? Then they can determine which one they liked better and focus on that.
Why do you think one would do better on ACT than the other? You don’t really know until you try (via a practice test).
@suzyQ7 - based on an article I read it appears as thought my daughter would do better on the ACT – but I do plan on having my son also take it as well. Yes, they will take the PSAT (they took it last year as well).
I had a soccer player, also. My advice is to follow @suzyQ7 's recommendation. Don’t wait until he’s a senior to take the ACT or SAT. Most kids need to get at least one real test under their belt before they can get their best score. If you have to miss a game/tournament, then miss it. What about taking a test this fall? That way you would know which areas he needs to work on the most. We always started with the Sept. ACT during the junior year.
I feel that the fall is too early and too busy. They keep learning more math through the year… Also, Christmas break is good for some prep time.
My kids took the ACT starting on Feb junior year after determining that was the best test for them based on practice and preAct and PSAT.
My oldest initially thought he hated the ACT, and preferred the SAT but ended up with a 35 in February… and a lower SAT. You won’t know until you try a practice one and score it.
My S took first SAT in March of junior year. I knew that in May he would have AP tests that were unrelated to SAT and that would take his focus. He was able to get scores and score report from SAT and review weak areas and retake in August. I thought that schedule worked well for him.